Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest Details

Head to the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center on Saturday, January 31, from 12 to 2 p.m. for this crowd-pleasing event. Whether you’re joining as a contestant or just there to sample the goods, this is a must-attend Snowdown celebration. 

Key Details  

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 
• Time: 12 – 2 p.m.  
• Location: La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center  
• Live broadcast: KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Signup deadline: 7 a.m. the day of the event
• Categories: Red chili, green chili, and vegetarian
• Must be 21+ to participate  
• Tickets:
  • Beat the crowd by buying them early at the pre-sales event on Friday, January 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m (location to be announced).
  • Buy tickets at the door
• Ways to Win:
  • Wow the panel of judges to claim the titles and prizes for the best Bloody Mary or Chili.
  • Please the crowd and get prizes for earning the People’s Choice Award.
  • Please KPTE’s DJs and earn a coveted spot on the annual KPTE Points Picks.

Live Coverage & Point Picks  

Tune in to KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point for live coverage of the contest, as they share the excitement and host the “Point Picks” awards, which recognize their picks for the best chili and Bloody Mary creations. The Point’s live broadcast will keep the energy high, whether you’re listening from home or on the go.

The Ultimate Snowdown Recovery  

After the excitement of Snowdown’s festivities, rejuvenating with chili and Bloody Marys is the perfect way to wind down and reset for the final stretch.

These spicy chili samples and zested-to-perfection Bloody Marys will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide the perfect balance of flavors to revive and energize. 

Whether you’re looking to recover from the nonstop party or simply enjoy the vibe, this event serves as the ultimate post-Snowdown recovery experience.

The Fundraiser that Keeps Snowdown Going 

The Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest isn’t just about good food and drinks — it’s also one of the most important fundraising events to ensure Snowdown continues year after year. All proceeds go directly to supporting local causes and keeping the Snowdown tradition alive. 

By attending, you’re not just indulging in fantastic flavors, you’re also helping to fund community projects that benefit Durango and beyond. Your participation in this spicy showdown directly impacts Snowdown returning year after year!

Savor the Flavors  

Whether you prefer a smoky, savory chili or a spicy, refreshing Bloody Mary, this contest promises to showcase the best the community has to offer. 

With the vodka provided, contestants are free to craft their most creative and unique Bloody Mary recipes, while spectators are sure to find a variety of chili styles: from classic to bold, with plenty of surprises. Ice and cups will be provided. 

Join the Fun as a Competitor or Spectator  

Looking for a way to get involved? This is your chance to show off your culinary skills and represent your business, club, or group in the Chili Cook-Off or Bloody Mary Contest. Don’t forget to get creative. Costumes and booth decorations are highly encouraged, adding to the festive, high-energy, revitalizing atmosphere. 

Compete for top prizes while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow food lovers and Snowdown revelers. Contact event coordinator Greg Yucha at 970-382-0788 to get involved.

Support Local Students  

While at the event, don’t miss the chance to support Animas High School students, who will be selling soda and bottled water for just $1. Your purchase goes toward funding their programs, adding another layer of community support to the event.

Recover at the Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest 2026

So, after days of Snowdown parties and excitement, why not take a step back, enjoy some rejuvenating chili and Bloody Marys, and support the Snowdown legacy?

It doesn’t matter if you compete or just enjoy the atmosphere, the Snowdown Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest is a fantastic way to end your experience on a high note. Don’t miss out on this flavorful, community-driven tradition!

FAQs: Snowdown Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest 2026

What is the Snowdown Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest?

The Snowdown Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest is a community competition and fundraiser where participants create and serve original chili and Bloody Mary recipes. The event offers public tastings, live coverage from KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point, and serves as a major fundraiser that helps support Snowdown year after year.

The contest brings together local chefs, home cooks, community groups, and Snowdown fans for a two-hour tasting event at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Attendees sample contestant creations, vote on fan favorites, and enjoy an energizing atmosphere designed to help people wind down after more than a week of wild Snowdown festivities.

Proceeds from ticket sales and participation fees directly support Snowdown’s operations and community programming. Vodka for the Bloody Mary competition is provided, and Animas High School students raise additional funds by selling affordable drinks during the event. As a whole, the contest blends food, community support, and Snowdown tradition into one of the festival’s most enduring fundraisers.

When and where is the 2026 Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest held?

The 2026 contest takes place on Saturday, January 31, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Events Center. Pre-sales for tickets happen on Friday, January 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A live KPTE broadcast runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Fairgrounds venue offers a large indoor space that can accommodate contestants, tasting tables, decorated booths, and high attendee turnout. On the day of the event, guests can buy tickets at the door, while competitors may sign up until 7 a.m. that morning. The schedule is designed to align with the post-Snowdown recovery window when attendees are looking for a more relaxed experience.

Media coverage from KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point provides event updates, interviews, and the “Point Picks” awards, which, along with the panel of judges, highlight standout entries separately from the panel of judges. The timing, structure, and central location make this contest accessible for both Snowdown regulars and community members interested in supporting the fundraiser.

How do competitors enter the Chili Cook-Off or Bloody Mary Contest?

Competitors can enter by signing up with event coordinator Greg Yucha. Registration remains open until 7 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, January 31. Participants must be 21 or older to compete. Businesses, clubs, and individuals are encouraged to participate and decorate their booths.

Entering the contest requires preparing a batch of chili or a creative Bloody Mary recipe, along with any garnishes or presentation elements competitors want to incorporate. Ice and cups are provided, and vodka for all Bloody Mary entries is provided, ensuring consistency across submissions.

Contestants often showcase themed costumes, elaborate booth setups, and signature ingredients to stand out. The event welcomes both seasoned competitors and first-timers who want to represent a local organization or simply enjoy participating in a community tradition. To secure a spot, entrants contact Greg Yucha at 970-382-0788 and plan to arrive early to set up before the public tasting begins at noon.

What can attendees expect during the Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest?

Attendees can expect two hours of tastings, community interaction, and live entertainment. Guests sample creative chili recipes, unique Bloody Marys, and enjoy a relaxed Snowdown environment focused on flavor and fun. Live KPTE coverage adds commentary, interviews, and award announcements.

The event is structured so guests can move freely between contestant booths, taste entries, and vote on their favorites. Chilis often range from classic meat-and-bean recipes to bold, spicy, or unique styles. Bloody Mary entries vary in seasoning, garnish creativity, and presentation, with many competitors building elaborate drink toppings.

In addition to sampling the contest entries, attendees can support Animas High School students who sell soda and bottled water for $1 as part of their fundraising efforts. The experience is designed to balance Snowdown’s high-energy spirit with a more relaxed environment where food and community take center stage.

Why is this contest an important fundraiser for Snowdown?

The Chili Cook-Off & Bloody Mary Contest raises critical funds that help sustain Snowdown’s annual operations. All proceeds go toward supporting Snowdown events, community programs, and local causes. This makes the contest one of the most essential fundraisers that keeps the festival thriving.

Snowdown relies on a combination of sponsorships, volunteer labor, and community fundraising to operate each year. The Cook-Off generates revenue through ticket sales, entry fees, and on-site purchases, which directly support event costs, logistics, and year-to-year planning. Funds raised also help Snowdown maintain free or low-cost community experiences throughout the festival, ensuring it remains accessible to the wider public.

The contest’s longstanding popularity creates a reliable funding stream that has helped Snowdown continue for decades. By attending or competing, participants contribute to a model of community-driven support that extends beyond the event itself and benefits Durango as a whole.

What are the rules and requirements for competing in the Bloody Mary portion?

Competitors must be 21 or older and use the vodka available at the event. They may create any style of Bloody Mary using their own seasonings, mixes, and garnishes. Ice and cups are provided. Contestants are encouraged to decorate their booths and use creativity in presentation.

The rules ensure fairness and consistency while allowing competitors wide creative range. Using the same vodka standardizes the alcohol base across entries so the panel of judges, attendees, and KPTE The Point can focus on flavor, mix balance, and garnish execution.

Common elements include house-made mixes, spice blends, pickled vegetables, and themed garnishes that align with Snowdown traditions. Competitors must prepare enough product for public tasting between noon and 2 p.m.

Booth decoration and costumes are not required but strongly encouraged, as the event is known for its festive and high-energy visual presentation. Each entry is evaluated informally by attendees and formally through the panel of judges and the KPTE’s “Point Picks,” that highlight notable recipes.

Can people attend even if they are not competing?

Yes. Spectators are welcome and make up the majority of attendees. Anyone can purchase tickets at pre-sales or at the door, enjoy tastings, listen to the live broadcast, and support Snowdown and the participating teams. The event is designed to be enjoyable for both competitors and non-competitors.

Visitors who attend simply to taste and enjoy the atmosphere often treat the event as their final major Snowdown activity. The two-hour timeframe makes it manageable for families, locals, and visitors winding down from the larger festival schedule.

Spectators gain access to all chili and Bloody Mary samples, and many enjoy meeting the teams, hearing the stories behind each recipe, and participating in the live excitement created by KPTE’s on-site coverage.

Because the contest serves as a Snowdown fundraiser, every attendee contributes directly to the future of the festival. Whether guests attend for flavor, community, or tradition, participation is open and accessible.

How does KPTE 107.9/92.9 The Point participate in the event?

KPTE hosts a live broadcast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing event commentary, interviews, and the “Point Picks” awards that highlight standout chili and Bloody Mary entries, independently from the official panel of judges. Their coverage adds entertainment value and keeps listeners connected to the contest in real time.

The broadcast team typically interviews competitors, announces updates as crowds arrive, and shares tasting reactions on-air. Their “Point Picks” are an informal and entertaining set of recognitions awarded by the KPTE team to their favorite entries in various categories.

This added publicity often becomes a point of pride for competitors and creates a fun, energetic atmosphere. Whether listeners are on the road, preparing to attend, or following Snowdown events from home, KPTE’s coverage helps expand the reach of the contest. Their involvement also underscores the role of local media in supporting Snowdown’s fundraising and community engagement efforts.